Cheapest and Best Car Insurance in Tacoma, WA (August 2024)


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Updated: October 3, 2024

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In Tacoma, Washington, PEMCO offers the lowest minimum coverage, while Nationwide is the cheapest for full coverage. For families with teen drivers, Kemper leads in affordability. The top-notch customer service provider is Chubb, while PEMCO blends best value with competitive pricing and service.

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2024

Cheapest and Best Car Insurance in Tacoma

Why Trust MoneyGeek? We analyzed 81,780 quotes from 15 companies in Washington, including the city of Tacoma. We used six sources and original research to rate the cheapest companies and develop a scoring system for Tacoma insurance providers based on ZIP codes in the city only. Our scores are based on affordability, customer satisfaction, claims experience, coverages offered and financial stability.

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These rates reflect the cheapest car insurance quotes in Tacoma, WA, as of August 2024.

81,780Quotes Analyzed
 
15Companies Compared

Cheapest Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Tacoma

MoneyGeek found that these companies provide the cheapest car insurance for minimum coverage in Tacoma:

  • PEMCO: $439 per year
  • Auto-Owners Insurance Co: $461 per year

Dairyland has the most expensive minimum coverage policy in Tacoma, costing $2,236 annually. That's a significant $1,797 difference from the cheapest. This variance highlights the importance of shopping around to ensure you're getting a deal that best fits your budget.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Coverage:
Coverage:Minimum Coverage
PEMCOAnnual Premium$439Monthly Premium$37
Auto-Owners Insurance CoAnnual Premium$461Monthly Premium$38
FarmersAnnual Premium$530Monthly Premium$44
State FarmAnnual Premium$552Monthly Premium$46
NationwideAnnual Premium$558Monthly Premium$46
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$576Monthly Premium$48
TravelersAnnual Premium$583Monthly Premium$49
ChubbAnnual Premium$672Monthly Premium$56
American FamilyAnnual Premium$712Monthly Premium$59
GEICOAnnual Premium$737Monthly Premium$61
KemperAnnual Premium$856Monthly Premium$71
AllstateAnnual Premium$963Monthly Premium$80
National GeneralAnnual Premium$1,171Monthly Premium$98
DairylandAnnual Premium$2,236Monthly Premium$186

State Minimum Liability Requirements

In Washington, from Tacoma to Seattle, state law dictates the minimum car insurance requirements. Here's a snapshot:

  • $25,000 bodily injury coverage per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury coverage per accident
  • $10,000 property damage liability per accident

With minimum coverage, if you're responsible for an injury, your policy pays up to $25,000 for each person, capped at $50,000 per accident. But if the cost is higher, every dollar beyond your policy's limit comes out of your pocket.

Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in Tacoma

MoneyGeek found that these providers offer the cheapest full coverage car insurance in Tacoma:

  • Nationwide: $902 per year
  • Auto-Owners Insurance Co: $933 per year

Dairyland has the most expensive full coverage policy at $4,814 annually, showing a staggering difference of $3,912 compared to Nationwide. This gap underscores the need to compare quotes, as full coverage car insurance generally costs more due to higher liability limits and the inclusion of comprehensive and collision coverage.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Coverage:
Coverage:Full Coverage
NationwideAnnual Premium$902Monthly Premium$75
Auto-Owners Insurance CoAnnual Premium$933Monthly Premium$78
KemperAnnual Premium$954Monthly Premium$80
PEMCOAnnual Premium$968Monthly Premium$81
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$1,017Monthly Premium$85
FarmersAnnual Premium$1,041Monthly Premium$87
American FamilyAnnual Premium$1,081Monthly Premium$90
State FarmAnnual Premium$1,138Monthly Premium$95
TravelersAnnual Premium$1,183Monthly Premium$99
GEICOAnnual Premium$1,408Monthly Premium$117
ChubbAnnual Premium$1,522Monthly Premium$127
AllstateAnnual Premium$1,547Monthly Premium$129
National GeneralAnnual Premium$2,301Monthly Premium$192
DairylandAnnual Premium$4,814Monthly Premium$401

Do You Need Full Coverage in Tacoma?

Full coverage insurance extends beyond increased liability limits to include both comprehensive and collision coverage components.

  • Collision Insurance: This provides coverage for your vehicle in the event of a collision, whether with another vehicle or a stationary object like a tree or light pole. It also covers rollover accidents and pothole damage.

  • Comprehensive Insurance: This coverage insures your vehicle against various types of damage not caused by collisions, including theft, vandalism, fires, natural disasters and being struck by an animal like a deer. If you have a new vehicle, opt for full coverage for more robust financial protection. If you're leasing or have a car loan, you are typically required to carry full coverage insurance.

Contrastingly, owners of older vehicles may find the extra premium for full coverage less justifiable due to the car's decreased value. Striking the right balance is key when deciding how much car insurance you need; higher coverage leads to increased premiums, but with lower coverage, you run the risk of being inadequately insured.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Tacoma After a Driving Offense

MoneyGeek found that in Tacoma, full coverage policies vary based on the specific type of driving offense. Here are the most affordable companies for drivers with a poor driving record:

  • Speeding Ticket: Kemper ($1,214 per year)
  • At-Fault Accident: Kemper ($1,245 per year)
  • DUI: Progressive ($1,277 per year)

Dairyland tends to have the most expensive rates for these offenses. The variation in annual rates between Kemper, the cheapest after a speeding ticket, and Progressive, the cheapest after a DUI, is $63, illustrating how different infractions can influence car insurance premiums.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Coverage:
Coverage:Full Coverage
Incident:
Incident:Speeding
PEMCOAnnual Premium$1,205Monthly Premium$100
KemperAnnual Premium$1,214Monthly Premium$101
FarmersAnnual Premium$1,257Monthly Premium$105
Auto-Owners Insurance CoAnnual Premium$1,284Monthly Premium$107
American FamilyAnnual Premium$1,297Monthly Premium$108
State FarmAnnual Premium$1,305Monthly Premium$109
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$1,383Monthly Premium$115
NationwideAnnual Premium$1,565Monthly Premium$130
TravelersAnnual Premium$1,661Monthly Premium$138
ChubbAnnual Premium$1,694Monthly Premium$141
AllstateAnnual Premium$1,731Monthly Premium$144
GEICOAnnual Premium$2,035Monthly Premium$170
National GeneralAnnual Premium$3,142Monthly Premium$262
DairylandAnnual Premium$5,613Monthly Premium$468

In Tacoma, insurance rates climb as driving offenses become more severe because insurers assess higher risks of future claims with those who have infractions. For instance, drivers with a DUI can expect average annual premiums around $2,329, comparatively higher than those with a speeding ticket, who face about $1,916. This sizable difference underscores the importance for drivers with offenses to rigorously compare insurance rates, ensuring they secure the most affordable coverage for their situation.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Tacoma for Teens and Their Families

MoneyGeek found that Kemper offers the cheapest car insurance for teens in Tacoma.

  • Kemper: $1,865 per year for female teens and $1,938 per year for male teens
  • Nationwide: $2,309 per year for female teens and $2,464 per year for male teens

These rates reflect the cost for a policy covering a combination of two parents and a teenage driver. Progressive commands the most expensive teen family policy in Tacoma, with a stark difference in rates — a female teen's annual premium is $4,757, which emphasizes the necessity of comparing insurance quotes. Such rate discrepancies highlight the importance of shopping around, especially for high-risk drivers like teenagers.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age:
Age:16
Gender:
Gender:Female
KemperFamily Plan Annual Premium$1,865Individual Plan Monthly Premium$2,465
NationwideFamily Plan Annual Premium$2,309Individual Plan Monthly Premium$6,609
AllstateFamily Plan Annual Premium$2,355Individual Plan Monthly Premium$8,024
Capital Insurance GroupFamily Plan Annual Premium$2,359Individual Plan Monthly Premium$3,275
TravelersFamily Plan Annual Premium$2,474Individual Plan Monthly Premium$4,334
State FarmFamily Plan Annual Premium$3,038Individual Plan Monthly Premium$3,887
GEICOFamily Plan Annual Premium$3,201Individual Plan Monthly Premium$7,711
FarmersFamily Plan Annual Premium$3,538Individual Plan Monthly Premium$5,992
ProgressiveFamily Plan Annual Premium$4,757Individual Plan Monthly Premium$7,123

In Tacoma, teenage drivers face steep premiums for car insurance, with an average individual annual cost of $6,024 compared to just $3,178 when added to a family plan. The disparity in rates stems from the higher risk insurers associate with inexperienced teen drivers, warranting higher premiums to offset potential claims.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Tacoma for Military Drivers

MoneyGeek found that USAA offers the cheapest car insurance for those with military backgrounds in Tacoma:

  • USAA: $777 per year
  • Nationwide: $902 per year

USAA is not just the most economical, but also prides itself on delivering services that cater specifically to the unique needs of active-duty military members. If you're eligible for their coverage, you'll benefit from both their cost-effectiveness and their military-focused customer experience.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Coverage:
Coverage:Full Coverage
USAAAnnual Premium$777Monthly Premium$65
NationwideAnnual Premium$902Monthly Premium$75
Auto-Owners Insurance CoAnnual Premium$933Monthly Premium$78
KemperAnnual Premium$954Monthly Premium$80
PEMCOAnnual Premium$968Monthly Premium$81
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$1,017Monthly Premium$85
FarmersAnnual Premium$1,041Monthly Premium$87
American FamilyAnnual Premium$1,081Monthly Premium$90
State FarmAnnual Premium$1,138Monthly Premium$95
TravelersAnnual Premium$1,183Monthly Premium$99
GEICOAnnual Premium$1,408Monthly Premium$117
ChubbAnnual Premium$1,522Monthly Premium$127
AllstateAnnual Premium$1,547Monthly Premium$129
National GeneralAnnual Premium$2,301Monthly Premium$192
DairylandAnnual Premium$4,814Monthly Premium$401

How to Compare Cheap Tacoma Car Insurance Quotes Online

While shopping for the best car insurance rates in Tacoma can lead to significant savings, manually comparing quotes from multiple providers can be arduous, potentially exceeding an hour for just three companies.

MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator expedites this process. By simply inputting your age, driving history, credit score, preferred coverage level and several other key details, you can receive an accurate estimate instantly.

Car Insurance Calculator

MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator will give you a customized estimate of your auto insurance cost. It's free to use, requires no personal information and we won't send you any spam.

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Rates updated:

Oct 08, 2024

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Best Car Insurance in Tacoma: Overview

Finding the best auto insurance is a balancing act between service quality, cost, coverage options and other factors. A comprehensive study by MoneyGeek has identified Tacoma's leading car insurance providers catering to varying consumer preferences.

  • Best overall: PEMCO (MoneyGeek score 90 out of 100)
  • Best for service: Chubb (MoneyGeek score 86 out of 100)
  • Best cheap: PEMCO (MoneyGeek score 90 out of 100)

PEMCO emerges as Tacoma's frontrunner for overall value and affordability, demonstrating a strong mix of service and financial efficiency. Meanwhile, Chubb is the go-to for those prioritizing premier service, ensuring top-tier customer experiences. Ultimately, consumers can choose based on what aspect — overall balance, service quality, or cost savings — they value the most in their car insurance.

Overall Best Car Insurance in Tacoma

MoneyGeek found that PEMCO provides best car insurance in Tacoma.

  • PEMCO: MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100 ($968 per year)
  • Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 89 out of 100 ($1,522 per year)

PEMCO distinguishes itself as the leading provider, securing the highest satisfaction and affordability scores among the competition. With a total MoneyGeek score of 90, it shines for its exceptional service and cost-effective rates for a full coverage policy. PEMCO customers can expect a superior blend of quality service and financial value when choosing their car insurance.

Company logo for PEMCO
Best OverallPEMCO
MoneyGeek Score:
90/ of 100

Overview

PEMCO's high MoneyGeek Score is largely thanks to its impressive satisfaction and affordability scores. This insurer provides both common coverages: rental car and/or travel reimbursement and roadside assistance, reinforcing its strong offering. Despite this, PEMCO doesn't skimp on reasonably common coverages, offering lock replacement to further protect customers against specific inconveniences.

For drivers seeking robust protection, PEMCO provides rare coverages like custom parts coverage, which is widely applicable. It offers up to $500 for customization, with the option for higher limits. Additionally, its pet coverage can be especially valuable. It pays up to $1,000 for veterinary bills if your pet is injured in a car accident, which could mean peace of mind for pet owners.

Best Car Insurance in Tacoma for Customer Service

MoneyGeek found that Chubb is the best option in Tacoma for car insurance based on customer service.

  • Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 86 out of 100 ($1522 per year)
  • PEMCO: MoneyGeek score of 85 out of 100 ($968 per year)

Chubb stands out due to its top-ranking claims score and exceptional satisfaction rating, which are significant contributors to its leading MoneyGeek score. With its blend of reliability and comprehensive service, customers in Tacoma can trust Chubb for their car insurance needs.

Company logo for Chubb
Best for Customer ServiceChubb
MoneyGeek Score:
86/ of 100

Overview

Boasting the strongest scores in satisfaction and claims handling, Chubb prioritizes customer experience. Unfortunately, it lacks one of the most common coverages — roadside assistance — though it does offer rental car and/or travel reimbursement.

Chubb's car insurance offerings include Vintage Car Insurance, useful for those with collectible vehicles, providing tailored insurance for unique needs. Drivers benefit from their OEM Coverage, especially important as it ensures high-quality repairs using original manufacturer parts. Additionally, Diminished Value Coverage can protect a car’s value after an accident — a rare yet beneficial option.

With a perfect Satisfaction Score of 40 (out of 45) and a Claims Score of 30 (out of 30), Chubb demonstrates its commitment to customer service and effective claims resolution, reinforcing its position as a top choice despite any missing coverages.

Best Cheap Car Insurance Companies in Tacoma

MoneyGeek found that PEMCO is the leading provider of affordable car insurance in Tacoma, offering an impressive balance between cost and customer experience.

  • PEMCO: MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100 ($439 per year)
  • Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 89 out of 100 ($672 per year)

PEMCO distinguishes itself by achieving the highest MoneyGeek score, mainly due to its exceptional affordability and reliable customer service. Their cost for a minimum coverage policy positions them as a prime option for budget-conscious drivers looking for quality car insurance without compromising on the essentials.

Company logo for PEMCO
Best Cheap CompanyPEMCO
MoneyGeek Score:
90/ of 100

Overview

PEMCO stands out with its perfect affordability score, making it a clear leader in cost-effectiveness. The company boasts an exceptionally low average annual premium, with drivers paying an average of just $438.78 per year for minimum coverage. Though the discounts specific to PEMCO are not listed in the provided dataset, their remarkably low premiums highlight the company's commitment to affordability.

PEMCO's absence of listed discounts does not detract from its impressive breadth of value. With the highest possible scores in both Affordability and Non-Claims Customer Satisfaction, PEMCO proves its dedication to customer service and financial accessibility. Moreover, a strong Claims Score of 18 (out of 20) and a notable Coverage Score of 6 (out of 10) contribute to its high overall MoneyGeek Score, signaling a well-rounded insurance offering that prioritizes customer needs and budget-friendly options. Despite the lack of specific discount details, PEMCO's overall performance reflects its standing as a top-tier insurer in delivering quality service and exceptional cost savings to its policyholders.

Average Cost of Car Insurance in Tacoma

In Tacoma, the average monthly cost of car insurance is $1,523. This is higher than the average car insurance cost in the state of Washington, which is $1,429. Comparatively, the state's average car insurance cost is $353 less than the national average of $1,781.

Car insurance premiums are influenced by a multitude of factors, with location being a significant one. The area's traffic density, the likelihood of accidents, and theft rates can all contribute to how insurers assess the risk and, consequently, determine the cost of car insurance. In Washington, MoneyGeek's analysis showed that Spokane has the cheapest premium at $975, while Renton is the most expensive at $1,283. This highlights a substantial difference within the same state, indicating that rates can be considerably lower in less populated areas with reduced traffic density.

BellevueAnnual Premium$1,495
EverettAnnual Premium$1,430
KentAnnual Premium$1,553
RentonAnnual Premium$1,552
SeattleAnnual Premium$1,551
SpokaneAnnual Premium$1,203
TacomaAnnual Premium$1,523
VancouverAnnual Premium$1,335

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.